US4848512A - Vibratory seismic source - Google Patents

Vibratory seismic source Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US4848512A
US4848512A US07/269,403 US26940388A US4848512A US 4848512 A US4848512 A US 4848512A US 26940388 A US26940388 A US 26940388A US 4848512 A US4848512 A US 4848512A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
vibratory
base plate
lift
frame
variable length
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
US07/269,403
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Tom P. Airhart
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Atlantic Richfield Co
Original Assignee
Atlantic Richfield Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Atlantic Richfield Co filed Critical Atlantic Richfield Co
Priority to US07/269,403 priority Critical patent/US4848512A/en
Assigned to ATLANTIC RICHFIELD COMPANY, A DE CORP. reassignment ATLANTIC RICHFIELD COMPANY, A DE CORP. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: AIRHART, TOM P.
Priority to CA000602961A priority patent/CA1308187C/en
Priority to EP89306512A priority patent/EP0368440B1/de
Priority to DE8989306512T priority patent/DE68903626T2/de
Priority to AU37271/89A priority patent/AU607341B2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US4848512A publication Critical patent/US4848512A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01V—GEOPHYSICS; GRAVITATIONAL MEASUREMENTS; DETECTING MASSES OR OBJECTS; TAGS
    • G01V1/00—Seismology; Seismic or acoustic prospecting or detecting
    • G01V1/02—Generating seismic energy
    • G01V1/04—Details
    • G01V1/047—Arrangements for coupling the generator to the ground
    • G01V1/053—Arrangements for coupling the generator to the ground for generating transverse waves

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to apparatus for imparting seismic vibratory signals to the earth. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, this invention relates to improved apparatus for imparting seismic vibratory signals to the earth along a selected vector path.
  • Vp/Vs compressional to shear wave velocity ratio
  • the referenced Waters patent teaches that the parallel planes in which the respective vibration axes of the two masses lie are to be oriented either transversely to the line of seismic survey, i.e., the line between the location of the seismic source and the recording geophones, or also such survey line. With proper phasing, the above-referenced transverse axial orientation of the vibrating masses enables one to produce and record simultaneously P waves and shear SH waves. On the other hand, if the vibrational axes are aligned with the survey line, one can generate and record simultaneously P waves and shear SV waves. The vertical component of motion in both cases produces so called "converted" shear SV waves and shear SH waves but such waves cannot be processed and interpreted with conventional seismic methods. Thus, Waters teaches in effect that only by operating the patented apparatus successively in these two modes can one generate and record at a single remote location all forms of a seismic wave, including P, SH and SV waves, in a manner which permits conventional processing.
  • Patents illustrating full wave field vibratory seismic sources include U.S. Pat. No. 4,662,473, issued May 5, 1987, to Robert M. Betz; U.S. Pat. No. 4,655,314 issued Apr. 7, 1987, to Tom P. Airhart; U.S. Pat. No. 4,660,675, issued Apr. 28, 1987, to Tom P. Airhart; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,719,607 issued Jan. 12, 1988 to Tom P. Airhart.
  • Each of these patents illustrate apparatus capable of producing vibratory seismic waves at varying inclinations and azimuths without repositioning the ground engaging base plate of the apparatus or without repositioning the vehicle utilized for carrying such apparatus.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 4,719,607 illustrates a general design for a multi-component vibratory seismic apparatus. This invention described hereinafter is an improvement to that apparatus.
  • the vibratory seismic source When conducting the seismic exploration of an area of interest, it is generally necessary that the vibratory seismic source be moved to a large number of locations. Accordingly, such apparatus is usually mounted on vehicles. Such vehicles must include means for raising and lowering the ground engaging base plate and the vibratory source. These vehicles also usually include means for powering the vibratory source.
  • An example of a vehicle mounted seismic source is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4.660.674 issued Apr. 28, 1987, to Tom P. Airhart. It will be noted in that patent that the seismic source is not a vibratory seismic source, but rather utilizes a heavy mass that is propelled downwardly against the surface of the base plate to produce an instantaneous heavy shock wave thereto. Despite the differences in the type of seismic source illustrated, the patent does illustrate the mounting of a source on a vehicle such as is contemplated by this invention.
  • an object of this invention is to provide improved inclinable seismic vibratory apparatus that is shock isolated for imparting seismic vibratory signals to the earth at precise inclinations and azimuths.
  • This invention provides improved seismic apparatus for imparting vibratory signals into the earth along selected vector paths.
  • the apparatus is suitable for mounting on a vehicle frame and comprises a ground engaging base plate, shock isolated lift means connectable with the frame and connected with the base plate whereby the base plate can be moved from a transport position out of engagement with the ground to an operating position engaging the ground, and vibratory means for producing the vibratory signals.
  • the vibratory means having an axial centerline and being mounted on the base plate whereby the axial centerline can be positioned within preselected angles and a preselected azimuths.
  • Control means is provided for positioning the axial centerline of the vibratory means at desired inclinations and azimuths.
  • the control means includes first and second variable length means disposed at substantially right angles to the axial centerline when the axial centerline of vibratory means is at a generally right angle to the base plate, means for selectively and independently changing the length of each variable length means, and generating means for transmitting a signal to cause the variable length means to change length to position the vibratory means at a selected inclination and azimuth.
  • FIG. 1 is a plan view, somewhat schematic, illustrating vibratory seismic apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a view partly in elevation and partly in cross-section of the apparatus of FIG. 1 taken generally along the lines 2--2 of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 is schematic diagram illustrating a typical circuit used for controlling the inclination and azimuth of vibratory apparatus that is constructed in accordance with the invention.
  • the apparatus 10 is apparatus for producing vibratory seismic signals. As shown, the apparatus 10 is mounted on frame rails 12 of a vehicle. It is desirable that the apparatus 10 be located on a vehicle because of the large number of locations wherein it is desirable to produce vibratory signals during the course of geophysical or seismic exploration of an area.
  • a plurality of lift cylinders 14 project downwardly from the rails 12.
  • the cylinders 14 are preferably of the double-acting hydraulic type, and each includes a piston rod 16 that projects therefrom into connection with a lower lift frame 18.
  • the arrangement is such that the lift frame 18 can be raised and lowered as desired by actuation of the lift cylinders 14.
  • a plurality of guide members 24 connected to the lower frame 18 and extending through sleeves 25 mounted on the vehicle frame 12.
  • the sleeves 25 are rigidly mounted to aid in preventing lateral movement of the lift frame 18 relative to the vehicle frame 12 and thus protect the lift cylinders 14. This protection is particularly desirable when using the apparatus on slopes, etc.
  • the lift frame 18 is generally rectangular in configuration and is connected to a ground engaging base plate 30 by shock isolating means 32 including a plurality of spaced shock absorbing isolating means.
  • the members 32 are constructed from a resilient material capable of supporting the weight of the base plate 30 so that the base plate 30 will be raised and lowered with the lift frame 18.
  • a plurality of tension members 34 are illustrated as being spaced around and extending between the lift frame 18 and the base plate 30.
  • the tension members 34 are not required but are desirable so that the weight of the base plate 30 can be carried thereby in the event of a failure in tension of one or more of the shock isolating means 32 and to aid in preventing such failures.
  • a vibrator 36 has its lower end mounted for movement relative to the base plate 30 by means such as a double yoke or U-joint 38.
  • the U-joint 38 is provided so that the vibrator 36 can be moved to a variety of positions throughout a range of inclinations and azimuths.
  • the upper end of the vibrator 36 is provided with a vibration absorbing coupling 40 for connecting the upper end of the vibrator 36 with a piston 42 of a double-acting hydraulic cylinder 44 and a piston 46 of a double-acting hydraulic cylinder 48.
  • the vibration absorbing coupling 40 may be of any suitable type that will isolate the cylinders 44 and 4S from the vibrations created during operation of the vibrator 36.
  • the pistons 42 and 46 are each connected with the coupling 40 through yokes or U-joints 50 and 52 to provide freedom of movement between the pistons 42 and 46 and the vibrator 36 during the positioning of the vibrator 36.
  • the cylinders 44 and 48 are connected by universal joints 54 and 56 with an upper lift frame 57.
  • the upper lift frame 57 is connected to the upper ends of the guide members 24 above the frame 12.
  • a sensor 58 is mounted on the cylinder 44 and a sensor 60 is mounted on the cylinder 48.
  • the location and arrangement of the sensors 58 and 60 are for illustration only since the exact location will depend upon the type of sensors utilized. However, the sensors 58 and 60 are of a type that will sense the positions of the pistons 42 and 46 relative to the cylinders 44 and 48 and transmit a signal relative to such positions through the conductors 62 and 64.
  • the cylinder 44 is provided with conduits 66 and 68.
  • the cylinder 48 is provided with conduits 70 and 72.
  • the inclination of the vibrator 36 is preferably controllable through an angle of about 25 degrees either side of the vertical, that is, relative to a line perpendicular to the upper surface of the base plate 30. Such angular movement is shown in FIG. 2.
  • the circle shown as a dash-dot line indicates that azimuths through 360° can be attained by the vibrator 36.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates schematically, control means that can be utilized for the purpose of positioning the vibrator 36.
  • the conduits 66 and 68 are connected to a control valve 74 which is connected by a conduit 76 with a pump 78.
  • the pump 78 is in turn arranged to withdraw hydraulic fluid from a reservoir 80.
  • a return conduit 82 also extends from the control valve 74 into the reservoir 80.
  • the hydraulic cylinder 48 is connected by the conduits 70 and 72 with a control valve 84 which is connected by a conduit 86 with the hydraulic pump 78.
  • Return conduit 88 extends from the control valve 84 to the reservoir 80.
  • the control valves 74 and 84 are of a well-known type and are arranged, upon receiving an appropriate signal, to shift to a position wherein one of the conduits connected to the cylinders 44 and 48 will become a supply conduit and the other will become a return conduit, so that the pistons are caused to either move into or extend from their respective cylinders.
  • a signal generator 90 such as a comparator or similar electronic device, is provided.
  • the comparator 90 is connected by a conductor 92 with the control valve 74 and by a conductor 94 with the control valve 84. It will also be noted that the conductors 62 and 64 extending from the sensors 58 and 60 are connected to the comparator 90.
  • the vehicle (not shown) will be positioned so that the axial centerline of the vibrator 36 is positioned over the precise point where it is desired to impart the vibratory seismic signals into the earth.
  • Appropriate controls (not shown) are actuated to extend the pistons 16 from the lift cylinders 14 until the base plate 30 engages the ground. When this occurs, further movement of the pistons 16 is arrested but the cylinders 14 lift the frame 12 upwardly until all or a portion of the weight of the vehicle is resting on the base plate 30.
  • the vibrator 36 is then positioned in accordance with the desired angle of imposition of the vibratory signal through the base plate 30.
  • a signal 100 (See FIG. 3) is fed into the comparator 90 either manually or electronically.
  • the comparator 90 transmits a signal through the conductors 92 and 94 to the control valves 74 and 84.
  • the control valves are then positioned in accordance with the signal received.
  • hydraulic fluid is introduced into the cylinders 44 and 48 through the appropriate conduits. The fluid moves the pistons 42 and 46 to position the vibrator 36 at the desired angle of inclination relative to the base plate 30 and at the desired azimuth.
  • Vibrations induced by the vibrator 36 are of a very large force and, consequently, it is highly desirable to isolate the vibrator 36 from all the apparatus with the exception of the base plate 30. Accordingly, the shock isolation means 32 located between the base plate 30 and the lift frame 18 isolate the lifting means, which includes the lift frame and the cylinders 14, and, consequently, the vehicle frame 12 from the vibrations of the base plate 30. At the upper end of the vibrator 36 there is provided the vibration isolating coupling 40 which prevents the transmission of the vibrations through the cylinders 44 and 48 into the vehicle frame 12.
  • cylinders 44 and 48 are shown in a preferred relationship of about 90° apart when the axial centerline of the vibrator 36 is perpendicular to the upper surface of the base plate 30, it will be understood that they may be located at other angles relative to each other. Such other arrangements will require appropriate changes to the control program.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Geophysics (AREA)
  • Geophysics And Detection Of Objects (AREA)
US07/269,403 1988-11-10 1988-11-10 Vibratory seismic source Expired - Fee Related US4848512A (en)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US07/269,403 US4848512A (en) 1988-11-10 1988-11-10 Vibratory seismic source
CA000602961A CA1308187C (en) 1988-11-10 1989-06-15 Vibratory seismic source
EP89306512A EP0368440B1 (de) 1988-11-10 1989-06-27 Seismische Schwingungsquelle
DE8989306512T DE68903626T2 (de) 1988-11-10 1989-06-27 Seismische schwingungsquelle.
AU37271/89A AU607341B2 (en) 1988-11-10 1989-06-30 Vibratory seismic source

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US07/269,403 US4848512A (en) 1988-11-10 1988-11-10 Vibratory seismic source

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US4848512A true US4848512A (en) 1989-07-18

Family

ID=23027094

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US07/269,403 Expired - Fee Related US4848512A (en) 1988-11-10 1988-11-10 Vibratory seismic source

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US4848512A (de)
EP (1) EP0368440B1 (de)
AU (1) AU607341B2 (de)
CA (1) CA1308187C (de)
DE (1) DE68903626T2 (de)

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5187331A (en) * 1991-03-28 1993-02-16 Agency Of Industrial Science And Technology SH wave generator
US5252785A (en) * 1992-01-07 1993-10-12 Industrial Vehicles International Broad band seismic vibrator
US5666328A (en) * 1996-10-18 1997-09-09 I/O Exploration Products (U.S.A.), Inc. Three axis seismic vibrator
US6065562A (en) * 1998-07-27 2000-05-23 Industrial Vehicles International, Inc. System for imparting compressional and shear waves into the earth
US20050100417A1 (en) * 2003-11-07 2005-05-12 Geopartner Sp. Z O.O Method of deep soil compacting from a surface
US20050167186A1 (en) * 2004-02-03 2005-08-04 Vedders Clinton R. Accelerated weight drop for use as a seismic energy source and a method of operation thereof
US20110198148A1 (en) * 2010-02-18 2011-08-18 Conocophillips Company Seismic transducers and baseplates having external dampeners and methods of use
US8689930B2 (en) * 2012-03-29 2014-04-08 Westerngeco L.L.C. Seismic vibrator having airwave suppression
US9651692B2 (en) * 2015-05-08 2017-05-16 Sercel Vibrator truck with a lift system comprising at least one flexible strap

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4853907A (en) * 1989-02-17 1989-08-01 Atlantic Richfield Company Inclinable vibratory seismic source

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4660674A (en) * 1984-11-30 1987-04-28 Atlantic Richfield Company Mounting and control means for full waveform seismic source
US4662473A (en) * 1986-01-13 1987-05-05 Atlantic Richfield Company Vibratory seismic source for generating combined compressional and shear waves
US4719607A (en) * 1985-10-29 1988-01-12 Atlantic Richfield Company Full wave field vibratory seismic source

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4660674A (en) * 1984-11-30 1987-04-28 Atlantic Richfield Company Mounting and control means for full waveform seismic source
US4719607A (en) * 1985-10-29 1988-01-12 Atlantic Richfield Company Full wave field vibratory seismic source
US4662473A (en) * 1986-01-13 1987-05-05 Atlantic Richfield Company Vibratory seismic source for generating combined compressional and shear waves

Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5187331A (en) * 1991-03-28 1993-02-16 Agency Of Industrial Science And Technology SH wave generator
US5252785A (en) * 1992-01-07 1993-10-12 Industrial Vehicles International Broad band seismic vibrator
US5666328A (en) * 1996-10-18 1997-09-09 I/O Exploration Products (U.S.A.), Inc. Three axis seismic vibrator
US6065562A (en) * 1998-07-27 2000-05-23 Industrial Vehicles International, Inc. System for imparting compressional and shear waves into the earth
US20050100417A1 (en) * 2003-11-07 2005-05-12 Geopartner Sp. Z O.O Method of deep soil compacting from a surface
US20050167186A1 (en) * 2004-02-03 2005-08-04 Vedders Clinton R. Accelerated weight drop for use as a seismic energy source and a method of operation thereof
US7918307B2 (en) * 2004-02-03 2011-04-05 United Service Alliance, Inc. Accelerated weight drop for use as a seismic energy source and a method of operation thereof
US20110198148A1 (en) * 2010-02-18 2011-08-18 Conocophillips Company Seismic transducers and baseplates having external dampeners and methods of use
US20120037443A1 (en) * 2010-02-18 2012-02-16 Conocophillips Company Seismic transducers having reduced surface area baseplates and methods of use
US8261875B2 (en) * 2010-02-18 2012-09-11 Conocophillips Company Seismic transducers and baseplates having external dampeners and methods of use
US8342288B2 (en) * 2010-02-18 2013-01-01 Conocophillips Company Seismic transducers having reduced surface area baseplates and methods of use
US8689930B2 (en) * 2012-03-29 2014-04-08 Westerngeco L.L.C. Seismic vibrator having airwave suppression
US9651692B2 (en) * 2015-05-08 2017-05-16 Sercel Vibrator truck with a lift system comprising at least one flexible strap

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0368440A2 (de) 1990-05-16
DE68903626D1 (de) 1993-01-07
CA1308187C (en) 1992-09-29
EP0368440A3 (en) 1990-11-28
AU607341B2 (en) 1991-02-28
EP0368440B1 (de) 1992-11-25
DE68903626T2 (de) 1993-04-15
AU3727189A (en) 1990-05-17

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US4805725A (en) Nondestructive downhole seismic vibrator source and processes of utilizing the vibrator to obtain information about geologic formations
US4321981A (en) Combination shear wave and compressional wave seismic energy vibrator
US4853907A (en) Inclinable vibratory seismic source
US6179084B1 (en) Underground acoustic wave transmitter, receiver, transmitting/receiving method, and underground exploration using this
US4848512A (en) Vibratory seismic source
US5080189A (en) Electro-hydraulic dipole vibrator
US5042611A (en) Method and apparatus for cross-well seismic surveying
US6065562A (en) System for imparting compressional and shear waves into the earth
US4662473A (en) Vibratory seismic source for generating combined compressional and shear waves
US4719607A (en) Full wave field vibratory seismic source
US9310499B2 (en) Low frequency seismic acquisition using a counter rotating eccentric mass vibrator
US20090086574A1 (en) Superheterodyne seismic vibrator and method
US5128900A (en) Multi-component seismic vibratory source for use in marine environments
US4248324A (en) Seismic vibrator and method for improving the output of a seismic vibrator
US4660675A (en) Vibratory seismic source for generating combined compressional and shear waves
US4980874A (en) Method and apparatus for maximizing seismic shear wave production
US5187331A (en) SH wave generator
EP0069408A2 (de) Kontrolle eines seismischen Vibrators
US20120037446A1 (en) Uniform displacement sweep
JPS6350782A (ja) ア−ス媒体中の楕円偏波シ−ア波誘起のための方法および装置

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: ATLANTIC RICHFIELD COMPANY, LOS ANGELES, CA., A DE

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNOR:AIRHART, TOM P.;REEL/FRAME:004984/0627

Effective date: 19881103

Owner name: ATLANTIC RICHFIELD COMPANY, A DE CORP., CALIFORNI

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:AIRHART, TOM P.;REEL/FRAME:004984/0627

Effective date: 19881103

FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 4

REMI Maintenance fee reminder mailed
LAPS Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees
FP Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee

Effective date: 19970723

STCH Information on status: patent discontinuation

Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362